Keeping the Cool Chain Cool with Intelligent IoT

This year’s summer was responsible for record-breaking temperatures in the UK, with a similar theme seen across Europe. While people may have struggled to sleep and rushed to buy a fan to try and stay cool, they might not have thought about what went into the cool supply chain that kept their ice cream frozen from manufacturer to store. Industries worldwide will increasingly feel the heat every year, and the logistics sector is no different.

 For those managing the cool chain, the stakes are particularly high. Rising temperatures not only threaten food safety but also challenge the economic viability of maintaining optimal conditions for perishable goods.

Feeling the heat

The cool chain is essential for transporting temperature-sensitive products, such as fresh produce. Rising temperatures complicate this task, leading to an increased risk of spoilage, food that is unsafe to consume and stock loss. As refrigeration systems work harder to maintain the temperature required for different types of produce, energy costs soar, and the likelihood of equipment breakdowns increases. With tight margins, operators need to turn to intelligent solutions to maintain efficiency without facing high costs.

At IMS Evolve, we are supporting the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, helping cool chain companies achieve unprecedented levels of precision and control over refrigeration systems. These technologies monitor real-time data, allowing for intelligent adjustments that ensure optimum conditions. This ensures maximum freshness while minimising waste, offering significant reductions in energy consumption and operational costs.

Reducing energy consumption and cost

Energy efficiency is paramount within the cool chain, especially as global temperatures rise, and refrigeration systems work harder to maintain their temperature. IMS Evolve supports organisations in contextualising data from their cooling systems and machines, optimising operations and reducing unnecessary energy use. This not only protects the bottom line but also ensures that they are operating in the most sustainable way they can.

IoT technology allows for precise control of refrigeration units, tailoring temperatures to the specific requirements of each product rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, fridges that hold products like meat require a lower temperature than those holding fizzy drinks. If temperatures are dynamically adjusted according to what’s inside, cool chain operators can reduce energy wastage and ensure products are safe to consume when they reach their final destination.

Proactive issues repair

The risk of equipment failure increases significantly during heatwaves and the warmer summer months, as cooling systems are pushed to their limits. By continuously monitoring equipment performance, intelligent IoT solutions can detect when systems deviate from ideal conditions, as well as alert operators when they might be in decline but aren’t quite there yet. When issues are identified, automated adjustments can be made to maintain optimal performance, or alerts can be sent to engineers that contain all the information they need to resolve the issue. This predictive maintenance approach prevents costly breakdowns and ensures uninterrupted operation.

Enhancing operational resilience

The ability of the cool chain to adapt to rising temperatures through innovation and resilience is critical. Here at IMS Evolve, we are empowering operators to transform challenges into opportunities, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste while maintaining product safety and quality, even under extreme conditions.

For example, the real-time data generated by interconnected IoT systems supports a comprehensive energy management strategy. During warmer months, when refrigeration units are under increased stress, additional load-shedding capabilities can be implemented. This means energy can be redistributed from less critical units to crucial units that require more power and lower temperatures, like those preserving fresh produce.

Don’t lose your cool

By intelligently and proactively controlling refrigeration systems with IMS Evolve, cool chain organisations can safeguard product safety while optimising energy use. As global temperatures continue to rise, these technologies will become even more vital in ensuring the cool chain remains both sustainable and profitable.

Discover our cool chain solutions here or contact us to learn more.